Accessible air transport is no longer just an aspiration. It is becoming a global priority.
International Civil Aviation Organization / IATA / ACI World - Airports Council International jointly hosted the 2nd Global Accessibility Symposium at ICAO's headquarters in Montréal, Canada, on 14-15 October 2026.
Bringing together regulators, airlines, airports, international organizations, manufacturers, and representatives of persons with disabilities, the event focused on working together on achieving the shared goal: making air travel more accessible, inclusive, and seamless for everyone.
A clear message emerged throughout the Symposium: although significant progress is being made, accessibility is something no single stakeholder can achieve alone.
Passengers experience one continuous journey, so making it accessible calls for effective coordination across the entire aviation ecosystem. International collaboration, consistent regulations, practical implementation, and meaningful engagement with disability communities all remain essential to success.
Discussions highlighted the growing global momentum behind accessibility, with an increasing focus on turning policy commitments into action, strengthening guidance materials, sharing best practices, and embedding accessibility in the future of aviation—including digital transformation and seamless travel initiatives.
As accessibility becomes an increasingly important part of aviation's social sustainability and operational agendas, IATA remains committed to working with ICAO, ACI, governments, industry partners, and disability advocates to advance practical, globally aligned, and outcome-focused approaches that improve the travel experience for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility.
Together, we can help make accessible air transport the global standard, not the exception.
Thank you to everyone who participated.
Juan Carlos Salazar, International Civil Aviation Organization
Sonia HIFDI, International Civil Aviation Organization
Howard Liebman, Air Transat / National Airlines Council of Canada | Conseil national des lignes aériennes du Canada
Justin Erbacci, ACI World - Airports Council International
Linda Ristagno, IATA
Alain Langlois, Office des transports du Canada | Canadian Transportation Agency